The Route du Rhum

It only happens once every four years – and 2018 will see the 11th run of this legendary trans-Atlantic sailing race connecting Brittany with the Caribbean French island of Guadeloupe. It kicks off from Saint-Malo in November with around 100 boats competing across six categories. Join the 200,000 people who gather to witness their departure from Quai Saint-Vincent and Quai Saint-Louis, directly in front of the city ramparts.

With a total distance of 3,542 miles, the Route du Rhum is a serious challenge. It was conquered by Mike Birch on a small yellow trimaran in the very first year, Loïck Peyron on a giant multihull in 2014, Florence Arthaud (the first female winner) in 1990 and Laurent Bourgnon in 1994 and 1998, the only skipper to win twice. The race village, with its varied programme of activities, will be open from 24 October.